A majority summit was held last night in which "we took stock of the discussions with the European Commission - which continue in a fruitful way - on the use of the national safeguard clause (Nec), in particular for energy measures". This was made known by majority sources, according to which "the discussion aims to clarify the admissible interventions and the related margins of flexibility, in view of the definition of the Maneuver".
Furthermore, during yesterday's meeting, the desire to concentrate available resources on interventions considered priorities was confirmed, with the aim of supporting purchasing power, strengthening growth and boosting the economy, combining these priorities with the necessary attention to maintaining public finances". At the center of the discussion were "measures for families and the middle class, support for young people and the elderly, tax interventions and support for businesses, as well as the strengthening of the healthcare system".
"These are very intense moments, at the Mef we work day and night, we meet interested parties, we met the Regions last week. Rumors are circulating in the press but we continue to work with our heads down. I believe we will go to the Council of Ministers tomorrow morning, because almost all the components have been finalised", confirmed the Minister of Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti today, speaking of the Maneuver. "We have made progress with the European Commission, so I believe that by this evening we will close the proposals that we believe can be considered admissible. Only with this level of certainty do I consider myself capable of signing a proposal and going to the Council of Ministers tomorrow".
On the maneuver the government will bring home "what is possible, not the impossible", added Giorgetti. "There are many requests - he observed, responding to a question on the pressure of the League for pensions and of FI for Irpef - the proposals that come not only from parties, but from categories, Regions and Municipalities are far above the availability of a budget which must take into account a geopolitical reality which has heavily influenced these years, and which is also heavily influencing the budgets of families, businesses and public administrations in recent months. We take the situation into account in a very realistic way. I don't think anyone can accuse the government of having presented optimistic or unfounded forecasts over the past 4 years. We have always had an honest attitude, which, when tested by facts - claimed the minister - has proven to be not only shared but even appreciated by all observers. We will do so at this time too". "Taking all this into account, I believe that in the end, as the picture is being defined in my head, we will have given an answer to the most important, most urgent things - concluded Giorgetti - We certainly will not have done everything, but we will have done what is possible, also with respect to the local authorities and the Regions with which we have dealt".
Among the hypotheses that have been circulating in recent weeks is that of a 5% flat tax for those under 30 or under 35 with incomes of up to 20 or 30 thousand euros, a no tax area or the tax relief on salary increases. The objective is to make Italian wages more competitive and slow down brain drain. While for businesses the aim is to strengthen the maxi-deductions for hiring: from 130% to 140% for young people and 180% for young mothers.
Looking at the world of work, the government is thinking of a preferential tax rate of 5% on increases linked to contract renewals and 15% on increases for night and holiday work and on the additional salary of public employees. The League also aims to extend the flat tax to VAT numbers from the current 85 thousand up to 100 thousand euros, a hypothesis that would require the green light from the European Commission. It will also be necessary to decide whether to confirm access to the flat-rate scheme for employees and pensioners with income from self-employment.
According to majority sources, the hypothesis of a cut in Irpef for incomes above 50 thousand euros has faded. The idea of an intervention had already been frozen in recent weeks, but then came back into discussion in recent days, with the hypothesis of extending the rate to 33% at least up to 55 thousand euros.
Another possible innovation that has been discussed is that of the flat rate tax on long-term rentals, which could drop to 5%.
Then there is the family chapter: on the table there are strengthened parental leaves, a social security booklet for newborns and support for working mothers. This year, a contribution relief of 3 thousand euros per year is already foreseen for permanent employees with at least three children. According to what we learn, the government would like to extend the tax exemption to those who have at least two children. We moderates also asks to extend the bonus for private schools, up to 1,500 euros per student. While Forza Italia offers a card from 300 to 500 euros for healthcare expenses for the over 75s, with an ISEE threshold, or a cashback reimbursement system. For family and social spending there are up to 5 billion euros.
On the pension front, the government would have thought of an ad hoc fund, worth just under a billion, to be used with a subsequent provision in January: this would be, according to what we learn from various sources, the agreement reached in the majority to address the issue of flexibility in pensions. The Budget, therefore, would limit itself to allocating resources for 2027, without going into detail about the declination of the measure.
However, the League continues to push for the possibility of leaving work at 64, with the contribution recalculation of the allowance. Also on the table is the revaluation of pensions to recover from inflation, a very expensive point. To find resources, the equalization of medium-high allowances could be revised, moving from the bracket system to the more penalizing bracket system.
The bill of the budget law, in any case, is equal to 23.5 billion and is based on the national safeguard clause for defense and energy of 14.4 billion. Also central is the help requested from the financial sector - banks and insurance companies first and foremost - for 5 billion, as well as savings from ministries and economies on the Pnrr. However, the banks are opposed to new disbursements, after reaching a three-year agreement worth 10 billion with the government last year. Furthermore, games and tobacco products are also called upon to contribute, perhaps with an increase in excise duties on cigarettes.
